Retail prices for many of the most commonly-used brand name drugs by older adults rocketed upward by an average of 8.4 percent in 2017, outstripping the general inflation rate of 2.1 percent. The annual average cost of therapy for just one brand name drug increased to almost $6,800 in 2017.

AARP Idaho is hosting its annual Lobby Day on Thursday, Feb. 8. AARP members can visit the Statehouse in Boise, watch lawmakers in action and show support for key issues, such as the Idaho Caregiver Act and access to telehealth. Participants will attend committee meetings and observe House and Senate action.

As Medicare open enrollment gets under way, state Insurance Director Dean Cameron will answer questions about the program during a tele-town hall sponsored by AARP Idaho on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. Anyone who wants to join the conversation can email aarpid@aarp.org for call-in instructions.

AARP and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) today announced they will partner in 10 U.S. communities to create and deliver programming and local events focused on the health and well-being of residents of all ages. AARP and Y-USA said the communities were selected in order to reach a variety of people, cultures, and community sizes. They are: Asheville, NC; Bismarck, ND; Treasure Valley, ID; Burlington, VT; Colorado Springs, CO; Long Island, NY; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Rapid City, SD, and Sussex County, DE.

Idaho ranks 14th when it comes to meeting the long-term care needs of older residents and people with disabilities. This, according to a new, comprehensive state-by-state Scorecard from AARP with support of the nation’s leading organizations on quality long-term care, The Commonwealth Fund and SCAN Foundation.

AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond reiterated AARP’s opposition to the health bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives that would harm American families who count on access to affordable health care: